Suu Kyi's party end boycott of Myanmar parliament

2012-04-30 81

EDIT CONTAINS 4:3 MATERIAL

Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy party say they've changed their mind over a boycott of parliament in Myanmar.

The Nobel Peace Prize laureate had refused to take her seat because the swearing-in oath requires her to pledge to protect the constitution, a document she thinks gives too much power to the military.

(SOUNDBITE) (Burmese) OPPOSITION NATIONAL LEAGUE FOR DEMOCRACY (NLD) LEADER, AUNG SAN SUU KYI, SAYING:

"We decided to compromise in this situation because we don't want to become a political problem. Some people may think the NLD has given in, but let them think what they want."

Suu Kyi and members of her party could be in parliament as early as Wednesday.

Earlier Monday, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon addressed parliamentarians.

As the first foreign dignitary to address the fledgling congress, Ban expressed optimism for the future.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) UNITED NATIONS CHIEF BAN KI-MOON, SAYING:

"The dramatic changes sweeping Myanmar have inspired the world. And we know that your ambitions for the future reach higher still. I have no doubt that Myanmar will quickly regain its place as a respected and responsible member of the international community."

Ban has plans to meet with Suu Kyi in Yangon on Tuesday.

Julie Noce, Reuters